Hey guys, I figure its gonna be a while before I get to build my 350 block, so I have some ideas for my 305 and I need some suggestions...

I just picked up a used Edelbrock Performer for 40$.

I STILL have points, I was thinking of getting this http://www.cranecams.com/ignition/xri.htm

I NEED new plug wires because mine arc. I was thinking Moroso blue max 8mm. Anyone say no? something better?

My dad was sayin a cam change would wake that motor up some, but I have an Idea. I've always wanted 1.6 roller rockers. So If I get some of those, the lift goes up like .03 right?

So the real question is, can I expect a noticable difference in power If I do all this stuff? Thanks guy for listening

 

More than likely you're running 8.something to 1 compression and have a peanut cam in there. You can always get an HEI for about $30.00 or so on eBay.

305 power. It's not really all that cheap. Exhaust is the first thing I'd do.

Since you are going to be swapping it for a 350 eventually, concentrate on buying parts that will be suitable for the 350. I know they are almost all interchangable, but not all are suitable. IE. Don't waste money on 1 1/2" headers. For a 305 they'd do fine, but would be terrible for a 350 that is going to need more breathing room.

Be careful with the carb. A 305 can't handle much more than a decent 600 cfm, a 650 at most. A 350, depending on the set up can handle more than that. From what I know, don't try a 750 cfm carb on a 305!

No one thing is going to make an enormous difference, it's a package deal. However, a cam would be a good place to start. Look at Comp Cams XE 262. Excellent for a 305.

 

Thanks for the reply man! I would put in an HEI, but then my air cleaner wouldnt fit .

Im not buying any carbs, I like my Q-jet.

Headers I will do in the near future, Heddman 1 5/8.

I really dont wanna change the cam, thats why I was thinking the roller rocker idea... but then another thing just came to me. Would I need to modify my heads for roller rockers? Thanks guys.

 

Definately get rid of the points, but I wasn't too impressed with the Pertronix points conversion kit. The Crane might be better, and it costs less than the Pertronix, but I'd suggest the HEI route as well. The Summit HEI distributor is $160, but it's ready to roll. An eBay HEI should be upgraded with coil & module, which would make your $30 about $120 before it's ready to perform.

1.6's are worth next to nothing. Don't bother. Go with a cam and do it right. Comp Magnum 1.52 rockers would be okay, though.

And, as stated, get some headers and good flowing dual exhaust on there. And a decent air cleaner (none of this factory single-snorkel stuff).

With those changes, it'll act like an entirely different car.

 

Oh, if you go with the Crane (or Pertronix) point conversion, don't forget the coil - another $27.

The rev limiter of the Crane is a nice touch.

 

You have a good, low-buck plan. Stick with it. But roller rockers are not worth the money on your engine. They only show hp gains in the above 4000 rpm range, and you will be lucky to see 5000 rpm out of a 305.

One really wonderful mod is to setup your QJet according to the Tech Article on this site. What a difference! Along with a good timing curve, you'll be smiling

A good 3" exhaust pipe from the Y-pipe to a good muffler with dual 2 1/2" exhaust pipes is the cat's meow on any thirdgen

My 305 puts out around 300 hp, so I'll include my sig for you to look over. Of course, if you want the last little bits of power you must do your heads. Follow the link at the end of the sig. Bon appetite

 

Sitting Bull - Hey I'll look into that tech article man, thanks. Oh, and its a 2nd gen. hehe .

My Idea w/ the rockers was for valve lift. Then I could stick em on the 350 and match it with a nice cam when Im ready to build it. Im thinkin it like this... If I buy rockers I can switch them over to the 350, If I buy a 262 cam, I dont want to use it for the 350, so I have to buy another cam/lifters. make sense?

five7kid - Thanks for your input man I to have heard a couple bad things about petronix. That doesnt mean there bad... I mean what if the guy installed it wrong or something, ya know?

 

There are a lot of free things that can be done such as converter removal, or is there none? Late 74 was the start of them- Ah....things that could also be beneficial are KandN filters, those plug wires are superb. Think about an Accel supercoil after you cange to HEi- What about the Snubstack for on top of the carb?
Hope those help, my 305TPI is stout enough for me, I am sure it pushes 275 horse, the radical 350 in going in my 87 Monte LS converted to SS

 

Yes, buying with an eye towards a 350 is always a good idea.

I should also add that most people don't see huge gains from just a 1.6 rocker ratio change. It will probably be in the order of one hp per cylinder at very high rpms, if that

 

exhaust and cam would help some!

 

In my case, "the guy" was me...

Not sure about the Crane conversion, but most electronic ignitions use 12v, not the 6v via ballast resister that the points use. Make sure you properly address that. It is also one of the reasons for a new coil.

 

How 'bout a carbon fiber hood, PS2 (Play station 2 for you slow people) and a big ole fart pipe?

Seriously though, being a second gen you have some options that us 3rdgeners don't have, at least not as readily available. Mostly that is in the form of exhaust!

Got summit and jegs catalogs?

If not, go to their websites and request them!